The Terrible Treaty

The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them.

Joshua 9:14-16

Israel had wild success in the battle against Jericho and Ai. The mission was simple: divide and conquer. As the neighboring cities got wind of what was going on, they were terrified. Because there was little hope against an army backed by the Living God, the only thing left to do was stage a ruse. So Israel’s neighbors pretended to be from a far away country in hopes Israel would sign a treaty.

The trickery was simple: wear worn out clothes, look like you traveled a great distance and brought old provisions. To the Israelites, it seemed legitimate. So they entered an agreement with the very enemy they were instructed to destroy.

Have you ever agreed to something you wish you hadn’t? Acted on something that looked good, but in the end was bad?

The lesson to learn from Joshua is this: they did not inquire of the Lord. Joshua made a crucial leadership decision without talking to God. And that decision had all sorts of consequences. As you lead, in whatever context you may be in, learn from Joshua’s example. Stop relying on your assessment. Start inquiring of the Lord.

DO THIS TODAY: Pray about the three biggest decisions you have coming up.